9 Winter Cocktails That Are Just As Festive As Eggnog but Taste Way Better

9 Winter Cocktails That Are Just As Festive As Eggnog but Taste Way Better

9 Winter Cocktails That Are Just As Festive As Eggnog but Taste Way Better

Soup is our go-to when the weather cools down, but there are other (way more fun) ways to warm up from the inside out. Take boozy beverages, for example. Does anything sound better than a mug of spiked hot chocolate or some mulled wine by a roaring fire? OK, maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves (can you tell we're ready for winter?), but whether or not the weather outside is frightful, these cocktails are so delightful.

Vodka and beer may seem like a dangerous combination, but this is nonalcoholic ginger beer we're talking about. With fresh pomegranate and lime juice, plus colorful garnishes, this cocktail is perfect for sipping on a chilly weekend afternoon.

This recipe proves sangria isn't just for summer. Made with fresh apples, pomegranate, cranberries, and clementines, it’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with *natural* sugars (the best kind). Finish it off with a sprig of fresh rosemary if you're feeling extra fancy.

Got five minutes? Then you have plenty of time to make this festive cocktail. Simply mix fresh apple cider with champagne and Tennessee cider (apple brandy works too), and you're cocktail party ready. Cheers to a bubbly drink that isn't boring champagne.

One look at this decadent drink is enough to convince us we need it in our lives immediately. And while it may look like a glass of sugar overload, it actually isn’t too sweet. Making your own hot chocolate mix allows you to control the sugar (and alcohol) contents, and the toppings are, of course, optional. (Though we highly recommend adding allll the caramel sauce.)

The only thing better than a Christmas tree itself is a cocktail that tastes like one. OK, this drink doesn’t actually taste like pine, but the gin and fresh rosemary provide an earthy taste while the cranberry adds that deep red holiday color we love so much. The only thing missing is Mariah Carey singing in the background.

Even those who don’t care for the taste of whiskey can get behind this winter bev. With just four ingredients (six if you include whipped cream and cinnamon), it’s easy to have this hot and ready in minutes. Snow days just got WAY better.

Mulled wine is a classic. But most versions are too sweet or overly spiced. This recipe has the perfect balance of flavors, and making it yourself means you can go with red OR white wine, just to spice things up. Pro tip: Use cinnamon sticks as festive straws.

What’s the secret to staying hydrated while drinking? Making your cocktail with coconut water. While you shouldn’t totally nix the agua if you’re trying to avoid a wicked hangover, adding coconut water will help keep you quenched. Also, the chocolate flavor will make everything taste like dessert.

Beer and cold brew are two of our favorite things, so why have we never thought to mix them together? Adding whiskey to the mix might sound like a recipe for disaster, but in moderation, this drink will really warm you up. For the full experience, garnish with toasted marshmallows. Or just regular marshmallows if you're feeling lazy (us).